Becoming a Leader in Cultural Outreach: Associate Director for Outreach and Engagement at the Smithsonian Institution

Are you a dynamic, visionary leader with a passion for public education, community engagement, and museum administration? The Smithsonian Institution is seeking a highly qualified professional to serve as the Associate Director for Outreach and Engagement in Washington, D.C. This General Schedule (GS) Grade 14 position is a key leadership role within the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES) and Smithsonian Affiliations, operating under the office of the Under Secretary for Education (OUSE).

This role is designed for a professional who excels at cultivating partnerships and managing large cultural networks. You will have the unique opportunity to build national collaborations, direct national initiatives, and make the world's largest museum, education, and research complex accessible to diverse audiences across the United States. Below is a comprehensive guide to this career-defining opportunity, including agency context, core duties, qualifications, compensation details, and strategies to secure the position.

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About the Agency: The Smithsonian Institution

The Smithsonian Institution is a national treasure and global leader in museum exhibition, scientific research, and historic preservation. Founded in 1846 with funds from James Smithson, its mission is the 'increase and diffusion of knowledge.' Today, the Smithsonian comprises 21 world-class museums, 14 education and research centers, and the National Zoological Park.

The Impact of SITES and Smithsonian Affiliations

This executive position resides within the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service-Smithsonian Affiliations (SITES) in Washington, D.C. For decades, SITES has shared the wealth of the Smithsonian's collections and research with millions of people outside of Washington, D.C. By organizing and circulating exhibitions to museums, libraries, science centers, and historical societies nationwide, SITES ensures that the Smithsonian's cultural resources are accessible to all Americans, regardless of geographic location.

Complementing this work is the Smithsonian Affiliations program, which fosters long-term, collaborative partnerships with over 200 museums, educational organizations, and cultural institutions across nearly every state, Panama, and Puerto Rico. Through educational initiatives, professional development, and artifact loans, Smithsonian Affiliations builds capacity within local communities to inspire future generations.

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Job Responsibilities: Leading a Nationwide Movement

As the Associate Director for Outreach and Engagement, you will be responsible for translating the strategic vision of the Smithsonian Institution into community-focused, nationwide programs. You will lead teams, direct communications, and work with public and private stakeholders across the United States.

Core Duties and Responsibilities:

• Direct National Museum Networks: Oversee and cultivate the network of more than 200 Affiliate museums and cultural organizations, fostering national collaborations and maximizing the impact of shared educational initiatives.
• Design Collaborative Programming: Create, design, and implement compelling public and educational programs—such as speaker series, specialized workshops for educators, internships, professional development programs, and national convenings—to engage audiences nationwide with Smithsonian stories.
• Lead Rural & Community Engagement: Manage outreach initiatives with a focus on the Museum on Main Street program, which partners with state humanities councils and local organizations to bring high-quality exhibitions and resources to small town libraries, local historical societies, and rural communities.
• Strategic Communication Management: Direct the unit's communications strategies, marketing, and promotional campaigns across digital and print media, ensuring clear brand alignment and high-impact messaging.
• Supervise and Mentor Staff: Lead a high-performing, multidisciplinary team of museum specialists, educators, communicators, and coordinators. This includes supervising team leaders and subordinate managers, establishing performance goals, and supporting professional development.
• Foster Internal and External Partnerships: Cultivate active, collaborative relationships across diverse Smithsonian units, with senior leadership, and external partners to align resources, manage budgets, and execute critical public programs.

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Requirements and Qualifications

To qualify for this GS-14 federal position, you must meet stringent eligibility requirements and clearly demonstrate your specialized experience.

Minimum Requirements:

• U.S. Citizenship: Applicants must be citizens or nationals of the United States.
• Background Investigation: Candidates must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation and a suitability determination.
• Selective Service Registration: Men born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with the Selective Service system.
• Financial Institution Details: Direct deposit is mandatory for all federal salary payments.
• Probationary Period: You may be required to complete a probationary period upon hire.

Specialized Experience Requirements:

To qualify at the GS-14 grade level, you must possess at least one (1) full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 level in the federal service. For this role, specialized experience is defined as demonstrated, professional experience in:

1. Cultivating and leading large national networks of museums, cultural institutions, or educational organizations.
2. Managing complex collaborative partnerships and community engagement projects, particularly in small or rural communities.
3. Designing, implementing, and evaluating large-scale public and educational programming.
4. Supervising personnel, supporting professional development, and maintaining productive relationships with internal and external leadership.
5. Overseeing comprehensive communication, public relations, or marketing strategies for museums or non-profit cultural organizations.

Critical Resume Constraint:

Your resume must not exceed two (2) pages in length. Ensure your document is clear, concise, and focused on your most relevant high-level achievements. Resumes exceeding two pages will not be evaluated, and your application will be disqualified.

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Salary and Compensation Overview

The Associate Director for Outreach and Engagement is a full-time, permanent position offering a highly competitive salary under the Federal General Schedule (GS) system.

Compensation Table: GS-14 Salary & Job Overview

Attribute	Details
Grade Level	GS-14
Salary Range	$143,913 to $187,093 Per Year
Duty Location	Washington, District of Columbia
Position Type	Full-Time, Permanent
Telework Eligibility	Yes, subject to agency policy
Travel Requirements	Occasional travel may be required (Travel Code 5)
Recruitment Incentives	May be authorized (subject to agency funding and approval)

Note: The salary range includes the locality pay adjustment for Washington, D.C. Recruitment incentives may be authorized; however, approval is contingent upon agency funding and requires a signed service agreement to remain with the federal government for a specified timeframe.

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Comprehensive Federal Benefits

As a federal employee at the Smithsonian Institution, you will receive a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial security, and work-life balance.

• Health and Wellness: Select from a wide array of premium health insurance plans under the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program. Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAFEDS) are available for pre-tax healthcare and dependent care expenses.
• Retirement Security: Benefit from the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), a three-tiered system comprising a defined benefit annuity (pension), Social Security, and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). The TSP is a 401(k)-style plan with up to 5% agency matching contributions.
• Paid Leave and Holidays: Accumulate annual leave for personal use and vacation, separate sick leave for medical needs, and receive 11 paid federal holidays annually.
• Life and Long-Term Care Insurance: Access group life insurance options (FEGLI) and long-term care coverage (FLTCIP) at competitive group rates.
• Work-Life Balance: This position is telework-eligible, allowing you to manage work commitments from home in accordance with agency telework agreements.

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Step-by-Step Application Guide and Tips

Securing a leadership position at the Smithsonian requires a strategic and detail-oriented application. Follow these guidelines to optimize your application:

1. Build a Federal Resume (Strictly Under 2 Pages)

Do not use a standard academic curriculum vitae or an exhaustive 10-page federal resume. Edit your experience down to your most impactful leadership highlights. Ensure you include the following for each employer:

• Exact job title (including series and grade, if federal)
• Starting and ending dates (Month and Year)
• Average hours worked per week (e.g., '40 hours/week')
• Specific, measurable achievements related to national network management, educational program design, communications, and supervision.

2. Tailor Your Resume (Do Not Copy Text Verbatim)

Your resume must align with the five key competencies assessed in the questionnaire: network leadership, rural outreach, public programming, staff supervision, and communication strategies. Do not copy sentences directly from the vacancy announcement, as this will result in immediate disqualification. Instead, describe your responsibilities in your own words, emphasizing results, budgets managed, and programmatic reach.

3. Take the Occupational Questionnaire

When applying online, you will be redirected to the Monster Government Solutions portal to answer multiple-choice questions about your experience. Be honest and accurate. Ensure that every 'expert' rating you select is fully supported by clear, descriptive evidence in your resume.

4. Upload All Required Supporting Documents

Double-check that you have uploaded all necessary files before submitting your application:

• Resume: Strictly 2 pages or less.
• Transcripts: If you are using education to satisfy any part of the eligibility requirements (though there are no basic educational requirements, submitting relevant degrees can support your qualifications).
• Proof of Veteran's Preference: Your DD-214 (Member 4 copy) and standard SF-15 with supporting VA documentation, if claiming a 10-point preference.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is this position open to the general public?

Yes, this vacancy is open to all qualified U.S. citizens, nationals, and individuals eligible under public hiring paths.

Q: What is the SITES Museum on Main Street program?

Museum on Main Street (MoMS) is a unique collaboration between the Smithsonian and state humanities councils. It brings high-quality exhibitions, educational materials, and cultural programs to small and rural communities across America, strengthening local cultural organizations.

Q: What is the deadline to apply for this job?

Your complete application package must be submitted online by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on September 8, 2026.

Q: Can I submit a paper application?

Yes, but only under exceptional circumstances. If you are unable to apply online, you must obtain prior approval from the human resources contact listed in the announcement before the closing date.

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The Associate Director for Outreach and Engagement is more than a management position; it is an opportunity to expand access to education, history, science, and the arts on a national scale. By leading the SITES and Smithsonian Affiliations network, you will connect communities across America with the resources of the world's premier museum complex. Ensure your resume is polished, tailored, and strictly under the two-page limit, and submit your application by September 8, 2026, to take the next step in your museum career.